Michigan Hunters Can Earn a Second Buck in These 5 Counties

Michigan hunters are going to see some pretty big changes in 2027, and now we know there will be a way for some hunters to legally take a second buck.

Wait, a second buck? I thought Michigan was moving to a one-buck rule.

Well, it is. But a new pilot program will give hunters in five Michigan counties a chance to earn that second buck by first taking a doe.

How Michigan Hunters Can Earn a Second Buck

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According to MLive, the new program will be tested in Barry, Hillsdale, Ingham, Kalamazoo, and Lapeer counties beginning in 2027.

See Also: Major Michigan Deer Hunting Rule Changes for 2026 Season

Hunters who choose the Earn a Second Buck package will get one license that can be used for a buck or doe anywhere in Michigan, along with an antlerless-only tag that can only be used in one of the five pilot counties.

If a hunter takes a doe in one of those counties and reports the harvest, they’ll then become eligible to purchase a second buck tag. That second buck will have to have at least four points on one side.

Hunters Could Take Three Deer Under the Program

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This part is worth pointing out because it can get a little confusing.

A hunter who completes the entire process could potentially take three deer total — two bucks and one doe.

That would include the first deer taken with the regular license, the doe required to earn the extra buck, and then the second buck.

 The DNR plans to keep the program in place from 2027 through 2031 so it can collect enough data to see how well it works.